No. 7 Pitt women’s soccer open season with scoreless draw at No. 14 Georgia

From University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department report

Pitt women’s soccer team faced a tough test Thursday night to open the 2024 campaign, as they faced off with the No. 14 Georgia Bulldogs from Turner Soccer Complex in Athens, Georgia. The two ranked teams battled back and forth, but played to a nil, nil tie.

The Panthers played tough for 90 minutes and outshot the Bulldogs 18-10 in the contest, with a five to four edge in shots on frame.

Ellie Coffield, Sarah Schupansky and Keera Melenhorst each fired four shots to lead Pitt offensively. In both halves, the visitors got off to a strong start and placed their hold on the game, controlling much of the ball in Georgia’s defensive end. However, the home team had a dangerous chance in each half that forced goalie Ellie Breech to make big stops. On the night, Breech made four saves for the clean sheet to start the year.

We're back for the second half from Turner Soccer Complex 💪

Check out @BreechEllie's most important save of the first half ⬇️

💻 https://t.co/tbpY06GTmY#H2P pic.twitter.com/nHCQsA2zR9

— Pitt Women's Soccer (@Pitt_WSOC) August 15, 2024

Breech, Coffield and defender Katie Zailski were the only three Panthers to play a full 90 minutes, while six other Pitt subs saw action in Thursday’s match.

This was the first time since 2016 that Pitt did not open the season with a win, however it also marks the first time in those eight years that the season began against a ranked opponent.

Look for more detailed recap and reaction to come on Friday, which will include reaction from Pitt Assistant Head Coach Ben Waldrum, who took the lead on the bench for this match, as Head Coach Randy Waldrum remained behind in Pittsburgh to be with his wife, who is recovering from heart surgery.

UP NEXT

The Panthers return to Pittsburgh and will face off against crosstown foe Duquesne at Highmark Stadium Sunday at 3 PM. Admission is free for all fans.

 

 

 

Team Stats